The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend

Soccer games and family requests didn't leave me much time for dinner this evening, so when I found a moment I stopped into Dixie Chili in Newport for a 3-way and a couple of coneys before work. The Newport store is the one that I've been going to for almost 40 years, but since my grandparents passed away in 2002 my visits have become less frequent. After tonight they may have stopped for good. I couldn't believe how far downhill Dixie has gone in the past few years. The chili is almost tasteless anymore and seems to have been thickened up by something, possibly cornstarch. I ate one of my Coneys straight and it was so bland that I doused the second one with Texas Pete hot sauce just to give it some life. My 3 way was equally as lifeless, with the cheese being the strongest flavor, followed closely by the crackers. The taste of the chili was almost non-existent. This used to be my meal of choice on birthdays, graduation, etc. A co-worker and fellow lifelong Dixie eater claims that people he has talked to have told him that it hasn't been the same since the chief cook retired a few years back. After tonight I'm inclined to believe him. Guess I'll be a Skyline guy from now on.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/05/26 18:12:31
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Wallyum,

You need not despaire completely. If you like the location in Newport there is a hole-in-the-wall just up the street from Dixie on Monmouth called Gourmet Chilli which is quite good, IMO.

As for Dixie, I must concur. The last time I had the chilli I wasn't sure if it was chilli or spaghetti sauce. Now I only go to Dixie if I want an alligator (for those unfamiliar it is a hotdog, dill pickle spear, mayo, mustard and shredded cheese).

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/05/26 19:39:11
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Dearfolk, Fortunately, Camp Washington Chili is alive and thriving in their new location at Colerain & Hopple Streets, just a jump off the interstate. In absentia, gimme a five-way! And bring on the reports of the good independent chili places! I've been to Park Chili on Hamilton Avenue (U. S. 127) in (I think it is) Mt. Healthy, and heard great things about Blue Ash Chili in Blue Ash. There's a good one in Newport called Bluto's Chili (or something similar - I can't remember; I went there in 1982). As for me, I won't be... Whistling Dixie, Ort. Carlton in Sunny Athens, Georgia.P. S. Dixie Chili's name came from the fact that the original location was on Dixie Highway... or so I am told.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/05/26 23:18:42
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quote:

Originally posted by ericm

Wallyum,

You need not despaire completely. If you like the location in Newport there is a hole-in-the-wall just up the street from Dixie on Monmouth called Gourmet Chilli which is quite good, IMO.

As for Dixie, I must concur. The last time I had the chilli I wasn't sure if it was chilli or spaghetti sauce. Now I only go to Dixie if I want an alligator (for those unfamiliar it is a hotdog, dill pickle spear, mayo, mustard and shredded cheese).

I've eaten at Gourmet Chili many times, all late at night, and all winding up with some kind of unique story. Newport just isn't the same since they decided to clean up their image.As for the Alligator, I'll have to try one of those the next time my in-laws are in town. (We always wind up at the Erlanger location when they visit.) I haven't had a hot dog on my coneys for years, but a pickle sounds interesting.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/05/26 23:30:10
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quote:

Originally posted by Ort. Carlton.

Dearfolk, Fortunately, Camp Washington Chili is alive and thriving in their new location at Colerain & Hopple Streets, just a jump off the interstate. In absentia, gimme a five-way! And bring on the reports of the good independent chili places! I've been to Park Chili on Hamilton Avenue (U. S. 127) in (I think it is) Mt. Healthy, and heard great things about Blue Ash Chili in Blue Ash. There's a good one in Newport called Bluto's Chili (or something similar - I can't remember; I went there in 1982). As for me, I won't be... Whistling Dixie, Ort. Carlton in Sunny Athens, Georgia.P. S. Dixie Chili's name came from the fact that the original location was on Dixie Highway... or so I am told.

I try to hit all of the local "parlors" at least once. Pleasant Ridge Chili was a favorite for a while for my 2am lunch. Chili Time in St. Bernard is pretty good also. I like the "Slaw Way" and "Slaw Dogs" at The Chili Company. (Yep, 3-ways and coneys with cole slaw.)I'm drawing a blank on Bluto's. Odd, because 1982 was right in the midst of my chili years in college. (I have a co-worker who might remember. He's a lifetime Newportonian.) I'm going to have to think of an excuse to try Blue Ash Chili and Park Chili. (My wife and daughter aren't devotees.) Maybe if I can convince them that it's all in the name of roadfood.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/05/27 23:36:51
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I did a search on Yahoo last night and came up with a list of different chili parlors in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. I've decided that I'm going to make my summer project a visit to each one of them. I'm going to get the same thing at each one, a three way and two coneys, and keep careful notes, then possibly post my findings. I told my wife about the idea at dinner. "Won't you get awful sick of chili?" was her reply. Sick of CHILI? Is that possible? She was greatly relieved to find that I didn't expect her to accompany me, so the idea got her blessing. I think I'll start with Gourmet Chili in Newport this weekend. (I should buy some Wiedemann first.)

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/05/28 17:23:52
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quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

I did a search on Yahoo last night and came up with a list of different chili parlors in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. I've decided that I'm going to make my summer project a visit to each one of them. I'm going to get the same thing at each one, a three way and two coneys, and keep careful notes, then possibly post my findings. I told my wife about the idea at dinner. "Won't you get awful sick of chili?" was her reply. Sick of CHILI? Is that possible? She was greatly relieved to find that I didn't expect her to accompany me, so the idea got her blessing. I think I'll start with Gourmet Chili in Newport this weekend. (I should buy some Wiedemann first.)

Wallyum, Do they still make Royal Amber, or has that gone the way of Christian Moerlein and Christian Moerlein Doppel Dark and Schoenling Lager Beer and Burger Beer and Burger Light Beer? - I'm a can collector, and those brands used to grace Cincinnati area shelves... most of them available in cans. And I'll drink Little Kings or Hudepohl instead of national brands any day... especially on draft. I'll be really interested in reading your reports from the battlefront, as it were. The Ernie Pyle of Cincinnati chili - who'd'a thunk it? Keep the antacid handy; you might need it. Fivewaylessly, Ort. Carlton in Unchilied Athens, Ga.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/05/28 17:54:40
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quote:

Originally posted by Ort. Carlton.

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

I did a search on Yahoo last night and came up with a list of different chili parlors in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. I've decided that I'm going to make my summer project a visit to each one of them. I'm going to get the same thing at each one, a three way and two coneys, and keep careful notes, then possibly post my findings. I told my wife about the idea at dinner. "Won't you get awful sick of chili?" was her reply. Sick of CHILI? Is that possible? She was greatly relieved to find that I didn't expect her to accompany me, so the idea got her blessing. I think I'll start with Gourmet Chili in Newport this weekend. (I should buy some Wiedemann first.)

Wallyum, Do they still make Royal Amber, or has that gone the way of Christian Moerlein and Christian Moerlein Doppel Dark and Schoenling Lager Beer and Burger Beer and Burger Light Beer? - I'm a can collector, and those brands used to grace Cincinnati area shelves... most of them available in cans. And I'll drink Little Kings or Hudepohl instead of national brands any day... especially on draft. I'll be really interested in reading your reports from the battlefront, as it were. The Ernie Pyle of Cincinnati chili - who'd'a thunk it? Keep the antacid handy; you might need it. Fivewaylessly, Ort. Carlton in Unchilied Athens, Ga.

Nope, Royal Amber has been gone for years. So has Wiedemann as a matter of fact. I'm also a can collector, but I limit myself to Kentucky and Cincinnati brands. There's a bar in Ft. Thomas that has an old Royal Amber sign that I lust after. (At least they did have it. It's been a while since I've been there because of an incident with a golf game in the back room. I bet they've forgotten me by now though.)I ran my Chili Chronicles idea by the guys I work with last night. The 23 year old got a pretty good laugh out of it. The 48 year old was as fired up as I was. We tried to explain our excitement to the 23 year old, but he's still a little wet behind the ears. He thinks a bar full of bimbos on a Friday night is exciting. Uh........yeah, well, WOO-HOO, chili rules.....I guess.I'm not really concerned about how my stomach will handle it. Chili is something I can eat several times a week without a problem. If I were rating White Castles I'd keep a stomach pump close by, but chili and I go way back.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/12/28 11:22:57
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You need to go farther North to Camp Washington - I went to U.C. for 6 years and checked them (Cincinnati Chili Parlors) all out believe me

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

Soccer games and family requests didn't leave me much time for dinner this evening, so when I found a moment I stopped into Dixie Chili in Newport for a 3-way and a couple of coneys before work. The Newport store is the one that I've been going to for almost 40 years, but since my grandparents passed away in 2002 my visits have become less frequent. After tonight they may have stopped for good. I couldn't believe how far downhill Dixie has gone in the past few years. The chili is almost tasteless anymore and seems to have been thickened up by something, possibly cornstarch. I ate one of my Coneys straight and it was so bland that I doused the second one with Texas Pete hot sauce just to give it some life. My 3 way was equally as lifeless, with the cheese being the strongest flavor, followed closely by the crackers. The taste of the chili was almost non-existent. This used to be my meal of choice on birthdays, graduation, etc. A co-worker and fellow lifelong Dixie eater claims that people he has talked to have told him that it hasn't been the same since the chief cook retired a few years back. After tonight I'm inclined to believe him. Guess I'll be a Skyline guy from now on.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/12/28 11:37:22
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I didn't have to report to work today til 10am, so I stopped at at Camp Washington Chili for breakfast - in this case meaning eggs over easy with goetta and a couple of cheese coneys.

Everything was OK, nothing was outstanding. It continually suprises me that everyone sings the praises of this place, including local media, but I think it really isn't any better than Skyline or Gold Star.

The place for the best Cincinnati style chili is Blue Ash Chili, even father north :-)

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/12/30 12:32:37
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Good site for explination TJ. Just a couple of more points for enginecapt to consider should he/she ever make it to Cincinnati. The coneys are quite small. If they are the only thing eaten three or four makes for a good order size. I usually just get one or two as a side with a three way. Which brings me to a very important point: the correct way to eat a three way. When first faced with a plate of spaghetti noodles covered with sauce and cheese the temptation for first timers to twirl the spaghetti onto their fork will be great. However, this is not how a three way was intended to be consumed. Cut down through the layers with your fork and then scoop the bite with the fork turned flat. It takes a little practice so definitely ask for a bib at first. But this method ensures that you get equal amounts of cheese and sauce in every bite.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/12/30 12:53:01
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quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

quote:

Originally posted by Ort. Carlton.

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

I did a search on Yahoo last night and came up with a list of different chili parlors in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. I've decided that I'm going to make my summer project a visit to each one of them. I'm going to get the same thing at each one, a three way and two coneys, and keep careful notes, then possibly post my findings. I told my wife about the idea at dinner. "Won't you get awful sick of chili?" was her reply. Sick of CHILI? Is that possible? She was greatly relieved to find that I didn't expect her to accompany me, so the idea got her blessing. I think I'll start with Gourmet Chili in Newport this weekend. (I should buy some Wiedemann first.)

Wallyum, Do they still make Royal Amber, or has that gone the way of Christian Moerlein and Christian Moerlein Doppel Dark and Schoenling Lager Beer and Burger Beer and Burger Light Beer? - I'm a can collector, and those brands used to grace Cincinnati area shelves... most of them available in cans. And I'll drink Little Kings or Hudepohl instead of national brands any day... especially on draft. I'll be really interested in reading your reports from the battlefront, as it were. The Ernie Pyle of Cincinnati chili - who'd'a thunk it? Keep the antacid handy; you might need it. Fivewaylessly, Ort. Carlton in Unchilied Athens, Ga.

Nope, Royal Amber has been gone for years. So has Wiedemann as a matter of fact. I'm also a can collector, but I limit myself to Kentucky and Cincinnati brands. There's a bar in Ft. Thomas that has an old Royal Amber sign that I lust after. (At least they did have it. It's been a while since I've been there because of an incident with a golf game in the back room. I bet they've forgotten me by now though.)I ran my Chili Chronicles idea by the guys I work with last night. The 23 year old got a pretty good laugh out of it. The 48 year old was as fired up as I was. We tried to explain our excitement to the 23 year old, but he's still a little wet behind the ears. He thinks a bar full of bimbos on a Friday night is exciting. Uh........yeah, well, WOO-HOO, chili rules.....I guess.I'm not really concerned about how my stomach will handle it. Chili is something I can eat several times a week without a problem. If I were rating White Castles I'd keep a stomach pump close by, but chili and I go way back.

Is Christian Moerlein still available? My understanding was that they went bankrupt, that they had product but it was held due to finanicial litigation. But I have heard commercials recently on 700 for CM.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/12/30 14:07:32
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All too true, Hatteras

I'll add a personal note: the spaghetti sits in hot water at most of these places until dished up, and most of the time the workers scoop the spaghetti onto the plates without allowing any time for draining. The water tends to merge with the chili and, well, water it down. so....ask for your spaghetti "well drained, please"

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2004/12/31 00:47:07
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quote:

Originally posted by Tristan Indiana

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

quote:

Originally posted by Ort. Carlton.

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

I did a search on Yahoo last night and came up with a list of different chili parlors in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. I've decided that I'm going to make my summer project a visit to each one of them. I'm going to get the same thing at each one, a three way and two coneys, and keep careful notes, then possibly post my findings. I told my wife about the idea at dinner. "Won't you get awful sick of chili?" was her reply. Sick of CHILI? Is that possible? She was greatly relieved to find that I didn't expect her to accompany me, so the idea got her blessing. I think I'll start with Gourmet Chili in Newport this weekend. (I should buy some Wiedemann first.)

Wallyum, Do they still make Royal Amber, or has that gone the way of Christian Moerlein and Christian Moerlein Doppel Dark and Schoenling Lager Beer and Burger Beer and Burger Light Beer? - I'm a can collector, and those brands used to grace Cincinnati area shelves... most of them available in cans. And I'll drink Little Kings or Hudepohl instead of national brands any day... especially on draft. I'll be really interested in reading your reports from the battlefront, as it were. The Ernie Pyle of Cincinnati chili - who'd'a thunk it? Keep the antacid handy; you might need it. Fivewaylessly, Ort. Carlton in Unchilied Athens, Ga.

Nope, Royal Amber has been gone for years. So has Wiedemann as a matter of fact. I'm also a can collector, but I limit myself to Kentucky and Cincinnati brands. There's a bar in Ft. Thomas that has an old Royal Amber sign that I lust after. (At least they did have it. It's been a while since I've been there because of an incident with a golf game in the back room. I bet they've forgotten me by now though.)I ran my Chili Chronicles idea by the guys I work with last night. The 23 year old got a pretty good laugh out of it. The 48 year old was as fired up as I was. We tried to explain our excitement to the 23 year old, but he's still a little wet behind the ears. He thinks a bar full of bimbos on a Friday night is exciting. Uh........yeah, well, WOO-HOO, chili rules.....I guess.I'm not really concerned about how my stomach will handle it. Chili is something I can eat several times a week without a problem. If I were rating White Castles I'd keep a stomach pump close by, but chili and I go way back.

Is Christian Moerlein still available? My understanding was that they went bankrupt, that they had product but it was held due to finanicial litigation. But I have heard commercials recently on 700 for CM.

WOW! Haven't heard that name in a while. I remember splurging and picking up a 1/2 barrel of Christian Moerlein for my 21st birthday party. We had just finished getting our butts kicked in a softball tournament at NKU and most of the team went over to the Hudepohl dock with me to pick it up. They were really impressed that I was springing for the expensive stuff. I remember the guy at the dock giving us a bunch of Oktoberfest posters and other Hudy advertising stuff.As for if it's still sold, I can't tell you. I haven't totally sworn off drinking, but I'm at a point where I rarely do much of it. We usually grill on my porch after the ball games on Friday night, and then I might have a couple, but other than that I hardly ever touch the stuff. I have some belated gifts to buy for my crew at work tomorrow, (because of last week's snow storms,) and I usually get them a gift certificate and a six pack of good beer. I'll check for CM and get back to you next year.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2005/01/01 12:25:14
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I think you are right about Blue Ash Chili, I had forgotten about that place. I remember it was excellent! But also, I haven't lived in Cincinnati for 20+ years and things (and owners can change). SOmetimes the idiot children can take over a legend and ruin it. So I will cede to BA Chili. Skyline is a basically good and consistent chili parlor and am glad we can get some of the delicious stuff down here in Florida...both in the freezer section and in the restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers and Clearwater.[^

quote:

Originally posted by marti223

You need to go farther North to Camp Washington - I went to U.C. for 6 years and checked them (Cincinnati Chili Parlors) all out believe me!

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

Soccer games and family requests didn't leave me much time for dinner this evening, so when I found a moment I stopped into Dixie Chili in Newport for a 3-way and a couple of coneys before work. The Newport store is the one that I've been going to for almost 40 years, but since my grandparents passed away in 2002 my visits have become less frequent. After tonight they may have stopped for good. I couldn't believe how far downhill Dixie has gone in the past few years. The chili is almost tasteless anymore and seems to have been thickened up by something, possibly cornstarch. I ate one of my Coneys straight and it was so bland that I doused the second one with Texas Pete hot sauce just to give it some life. My 3 way was equally as lifeless, with the cheese being the strongest flavor, followed closely by the crackers. The taste of the chili was almost non-existent. This used to be my meal of choice on birthdays, graduation, etc. A co-worker and fellow lifelong Dixie eater claims that people he has talked to have told him that it hasn't been the same since the chief cook retired a few years back. After tonight I'm inclined to believe him. Guess I'll be a Skyline guy from now on.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2005/01/15 20:10:21
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Skyline Chili on Clifton. Home of Nick the Greek......... Thanks for the memories UC and Dabney Hall.... late 70's early 80s....I've been a skylini's fan ever since. Second best 3 way I've ever had!!!!!!!!!! (The first best has nothing to do with chili!)

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2005/01/26 03:49:39
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quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

I may be in the minority here. Camp Washington was closed when I was in Cincinnati last summer and I went to Dthe downtown Newport Dixie Chile on the recommendation of alocal. I liked the 5 way.

It's not bad if you didn't grow up with the original. I've just been disappointed by the changes over the past few years. I can't handle the 5 way anymore and I shudder to think of what internal difficulties would result from a 6 way.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2005/01/26 03:56:00
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quote:

Originally posted by Tristan Indiana

Is Christian Moerlein still available? My understanding was that they went bankrupt, that they had product but it was held due to finanicial litigation. But I have heard commercials recently on 700 for CM.

Yes, Christian Moerlein is back. We saw it for sale at the Florence Sam's on Saturday when we weren't digging out from the 8 inches of snow we failed to get. It had a website on the bottom of the carton and it said it was brewed by the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. I couldn't get the website to work, so I guess I missed a small detail.

RE: The sad demise of a Cincinnati legend2005/06/30 14:33:37
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quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

Originally posted by Tristan IndianaIs Christian Moerlein still available? My understanding was that they went bankrupt, that they had product but it was held due to finanicial litigation. But I have heard commercials recently on 700 for CM.

Yes, Christian Moerlein is back. We saw it for sale at the Florence Sam's on Saturday when we weren't digging out from the 8 inches of snow we failed to get. It had a website on the bottom of the carton and it said it was brewed by the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. I couldn't get the website to work, so I guess I missed a small detail.